Making Wedding Centerpieces: Diy Or Delegate?

Wedding centrepieces can be a fun DIY project and a great way to add a personal, homemade touch to your big day. Whether you're a crafty pair or not, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to creating your own centrepieces. From floral arrangements to candles, themed designs, and even fruit, the possibilities are endless. But is it worth it to make your own wedding centrepieces?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to DIY your wedding centrepieces. Firstly, cost. Creating your own centrepieces can be a budget-friendly option, especially if you opt for simple arrangements or non-floral alternatives. Secondly, time and effort. DIY centrepieces can be time-consuming, especially if you're making multiple arrangements, and it's important to ensure you have the energy and dedication to see the project through. Finally, aesthetics. While DIY centrepieces can be beautiful and unique, they may not always turn out exactly as planned, and it's important to manage expectations, especially if you have a specific vision in mind.

Ultimately, the decision to make your own wedding centrepieces depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. If you're crafty and enjoy the process of creating, DIY centrepieces can be a fun and rewarding project. However, if you're short on time or prefer a more professional look, hiring a florist or event stylist may be a better option.

DIY vs florist: is it worth it?

Deciding between DIY and florist-made wedding centerpieces can be a tricky decision. There are pros and cons to both options, and ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Here are some things to consider when deciding between DIY and florist-made wedding centerpieces:

DIY Wedding Centerpieces

Creating your own wedding centerpieces can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day. Here are some advantages and ideas for DIY centerpieces:

• Cost-effectiveness: DIY centerpieces can be more budget-friendly, especially if you opt for simple arrangements or repurpose existing items.
• Personalization: DIY centerpieces allow you to showcase your creativity and incorporate unique elements that reflect your style.
• Flexibility: You have the freedom to choose the exact flowers, colors, and decorations that match your vision.
• Involve loved ones: Crafting centerpieces can be a fun activity to do with your family and friends, creating special memories before the wedding.
• Floral arrangements: You can source your favorite flowers or mix different varieties from floral shops or grocery stores.
• Repurpose home décor: Use ceramics, lamps, or vases that fit your color scheme to add a unique, artistic touch.
• Candle centerpieces: Combine candles of different heights and colors with mirrors or floating flowers for an intimate and romantic ambiance.
• Themed centerpieces: Base your centerpieces on a favorite book, movie, or color scheme for a cohesive and unique look.

Florist-Made Wedding Centerpieces

Hiring a florist to create your wedding centerpieces can be a convenient and stress-free option. Here are some advantages of going with a professional:

• Expertise and experience: Florists have the knowledge and skills to create beautiful and cohesive arrangements, ensuring your centerpieces look professional.
• Time-saving: Outsourcing the centerpieces can free up your time and energy to focus on other wedding planning aspects.
• Quality and freshness: Florists can source high-quality, fresh flowers and ensure they stay vibrant throughout your wedding day.
• Setup and breakdown: A florist will typically handle the setup and breakdown of the centerpieces, allowing you to relax and enjoy your wedding without worrying about the logistics.

So, Is DIY Worth It?

The decision between DIY and florist-made centerpieces depends on your priorities and circumstances. If you have the time and enjoy crafting, DIY centerpieces can be a fun and budget-friendly option that adds a personal touch to your wedding. However, if you want to ensure flawless results, have a complex vision, or prefer to outsource the work, hiring a florist may be worth the investment. Ultimately, weigh your options, consider your budget, and decide which choice aligns better with your dream wedding.

Choosing flowers and plants

• Think about which flowers will be the star of the show and decide on a colour palette or mix of shades and tones to determine your complementary flowers.
• Real flowers are a wonderful option, especially for photographs.
• If you're going for a simple arrangement, opt for one star flower and one complementary flower with a different leaf shape.
• For a more complex arrangement, collect five varieties of leaves or shapes.
• Purchase cut flowers from a florist with a good selection and lots of variety, or order floral arrangements in bulk online if you're creating centrepieces for a large wedding.
• Consider using silk flowers instead of fresh ones, which can be ordered in bulk online.
• Succulents or tropical plants can create a unique look for your centrepieces.
• Choose vases, jars, or holders that complement the colour or theme of your wedding, as well as the size, shape, and colour of the flowers. Classic glass vases, mason jars, or alternative holders like wicker baskets or clay pots can all make great containers.
• Prepare the centrepieces one day before the wedding to ensure the flowers remain fresh-looking.
• When arranging the flowers, visualise the arrangement within a circle and divide this circle into three equal parts to ensure a balanced look.

Containers and holders

• Glass vases: Opting for classic glass vases allows you to showcase your floral arrangements or candles elegantly. Consider the size and shape of your flowers when selecting the vases.
• Mason jars: For a rustic or vintage touch, mason jars can be used as holders for flowers or candles. They are easily customisable and can be decorated with twine or painted to match your colour scheme.
• Wicker baskets: Wicker baskets bring a natural, rustic charm to your centrepieces. Fill them with flowers, greenery, or even fruit for a unique display.
• Clay pots: Terracotta or clay pots are perfect for a garden, rustic, or desert-themed wedding. You can fill them with flowers, succulents, or cacti for a charming and earthy look.
• Metal buckets: Metal buckets are ideal for a relaxed country wedding. Paint them in pastel shades or leave them as-is for a more rustic feel.
• Wooden boxes: For a DIY farmhouse touch, wooden boxes can be filled with flowers, candles, or other decorative items. They are reusable and can be customised to suit different occasions.
• Tiered bowls: Fill tiered bowls with a mix of flowers, fruits, or greenery for a bold and cheerful statement piece.
• Log candle holders: Hollowed-out logs or wooden candle holders add a natural, rustic element to your centrepiece. Pair them with candles or fill them with flowers for a whimsical forest-themed look.
• Lanterns: Metal-rimmed or wooden lanterns create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Place candles inside and surround them with flowers or greenery for a magical touch.
• Teacups: For a quirky and retro vibe, use vintage teacups as candle holders. Look for unique teacups in thrift stores or online to create a one-of-a-kind display.

Timing and preparation

Start Early

Give yourself plenty of time to source materials and create your centrepieces. Depending on the complexity of your design, you may need to start several months in advance. This will give you enough time to gather all the necessary supplies and make any adjustments if needed.

Choose a Design

Decide on a design that fits your wedding theme and colour scheme. There are endless possibilities for DIY centrepieces, from floral arrangements to candle displays and themed creations. Choose something that reflects your personal style and that you think will wow your guests.

Source Materials

Once you have a design in mind, start sourcing the materials you need. This may include flowers, vases, candles, holders, fabrics, or any other decorative elements. Look for suppliers that offer bulk discounts, and don't be afraid to get creative and repurpose items you already have or can find second-hand.

Practice

Before you commit to a final design, practice assembling a few centrepieces. This will give you a better idea of the time and effort involved, and you can make any necessary adjustments to your design or assembly process. It's also a good opportunity to enlist help from your wedding party or family and friends.

Prepare in Advance

Aim to have your centrepieces fully prepared at least a day before the wedding. This is especially important if you're using fresh flowers, as you'll want to ensure they look fresh and vibrant on the day. Store them in a cool place and transport them carefully to the venue, where they can be set up and ready to go ahead of the celebrations.

On-the-Day Setup

If your centrepieces require any last-minute touches, such as lighting candles or adding water, assign this task to a member of your wedding party or a trusted friend or family member. This will ensure that everything looks perfect when guests arrive and that you can relax and enjoy your special day.

Making your own wedding centrepieces can be a fun and rewarding project, but it requires careful planning and preparation. By giving yourself enough time and following these steps, you can create beautiful DIY centrepieces that will wow your guests and add a personal touch to your wedding day.

Themed centrepieces

DIY centrepieces can be a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding and save some money. If you're considering a themed wedding, here are some ideas for centrepieces to match:

Nautical Theme

For a nautical-themed wedding, consider using navy and white striped table runners with red accents. For the centrepiece, use a mix of navy and white flowers, such as hydrangeas and roses, in a gold vase. Add some nautical touches, such as miniature sailboats or rope knots, to complete the look.

Rustic Theme

If you're going for a rustic theme, keep it simple with a few sprigs of greenery and wildflowers in mason jars or vintage bottles. You could also use wooden slabs as a base for your centrepiece and add some eucalyptus leaves, carnations, lavender, and cotton blooms. For a rustic winter wedding, incorporate pine boughs and pinecones with candles for a cosy feel.

Garden/Botanical Theme

For a garden or botanical-themed wedding, wildflowers are a perfect choice. Handpick your favourite blooms and arrange them in mismatched vases or jars for a whimsical touch. You could also create a runner made from burlap fabric and add candles or greenery for a textural element. Succulents and cacti are also great options for this theme, especially if you're looking for something more unique.

Tropical Theme

Bring a touch of the tropics to your wedding with centrepieces featuring colourful fruits, such as peaches, oranges, and cherries. For a more elegant take on this theme, use tall palm fronds and monstera leaves in glass vases. Sugarbushes (protea) are also a striking and simple option for a tropical or desert-themed wedding.

Art-themed

For an art-themed wedding, get creative with your centrepieces. Use paint cans as vases and fill them with flowers that match your tablecloths or colour scheme. You could also display hand-painted lamps or lampshades on your tables, adding a unique and artistic touch to your décor.

Frequently asked questions